Electronic Summer 2026 | Issue 67

From the Desk of Your Executive Director

By: Kristen Malloy

It is a privilege to write to you as the Executive Director of the Illinois Psychiatric Society.

I have now served as Executive Director for five years, after spending nearly 13 years as the IPS Administrative Coordinator. Over my almost 18 years with IPS, I have had the opportunity to watch this organization grow and evolve while continuing to adapt to the changing needs of our members.

I am grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and talented membership. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many of you and have been continually impressed by your commitment to your patients, your communities, and our profession. Regardless of your sub-specialty or practice setting, IPS members share a common goal of improving the lives of those you serve.

One of the things that continues to surprise me most is the willingness of our members to step up and get involved. Our recent advocacy successes are a direct result of members sharing their expertise, meeting with legislators, serving on committees, participating in educational programs, and mentoring colleagues. Those efforts truly make a difference. I would like to extend a special thank you to all of our members who dedicate their time to advancing our legislative priorities, as well as to our lobbyist, Mark Peysakhovich, whose guidance and hard work have been invaluable.

We have an exciting schedule of events ahead. Our Riverview event on July 9 remains one of our greatest networking opportunities of the year and is always a highlight of the summer. Just two days later, on July 11, Team IPS will once again participate in the Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K. We are hoping to be the top fundraising district branch for the fourth consecutive year and would love to have your support.

Our new Refresh and Reflect sessions have become especially meaningful to me. These monthly wellness-focused gatherings provide a welcoming space for members to connect, share experiences, and support one another. If you haven't attended yet, I encourage you to join us for an upcoming session.

We are also launching a new mentoring-focused event on August 23. The program will feature a panel discussion and small-group roundtable conversations designed to provide valuable insights and connections for members at every stage of their careers.

One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is the growth of our Annual Meeting. Those of you who have been with IPS for many years may remember the small dinner meetings that always seemed to take place during Chicago January blizzards.  Today, the Annual Meeting has grown into a full-day event featuring educational sessions, an expanding poster competition, and a formal awards ceremony. Watching that vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding. Of course, none of it would be possible without our outstanding planning committee and our exceptional Administrative Coordinator, Meghan Engelbrecht. Registration for our 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 3, will open soon.

As we look ahead, IPS remains committed to providing value through advocacy, education, networking, and professional development opportunities. Our newly formed Membership Committee has begun a membership audit project to better understand your experiences and identify ways we can continue to support you. You may be contacted for an interview in the coming months, and I hope you will consider participating. Your feedback is essential as we plan for the future.

Thank you for your continued support of IPS. It is an honor to serve this organization and its members. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and continuing our work together on behalf of psychiatry and the patients you serve.